Episode 19: Journey to the East Part 5: Dawn with the Swift Wind
After freeing four of the Clans from the Iron Dominion's hold, Sonic, Eve, and the others are making their way to the last and final Clan for them to break from them. The Clan of Swift Wind, and the bride they need to talk to is Shadow and Eve's mother.
The group continues to walk through the forest and are safely walking on the path.
"So this could really lead us to the Clan of Swift Wind?" Topaz asks.
"Espio told us it will be in this direction," Sally says.
"I trust Espio, and this is also where the Dragon used to come to pay their eggs when they live here," Eve says.
"It's basically the chance we got. Besides, Obsidian is with them," Sonic says.
"I just hope the Clan of Swift Wind have been treating her well," Rouge says.
"I'm sure they're taking good care of her," Tails says.
"I sure hope so Tails. I just hope we can find her as quickly as we could," Eve says.
"As do I," Shadow agrees.
The group of friends continue to travel through the path, unaware that they are being watched by three small figures. They jump over the trees as they continue to spy on the Freedom Fighters and Team Dark. Just then, Shadow comes to a stop and looks up in the trees.
Maria asks, "What's wrong, Shadow?"
"I think we're being followed," Shadow says.
"Followed?" Topaz asks.
"I'm not sure. I think someone is spying on us," Shadow says.
Ken grows suspicious and says, "I'll check it out."
He then conjures a cloud and uses it to fly in the trees. Suddenly, they hear three different screams and three small figures fall from the tree and crash to the ground. Turns out the three figures are actually young hedgehogs, around eight years old or so.
"Huh? They're just little squirts," Rouge says, confused.
The three young figures look up to see the ground as Ken jumps on the ground and stands on his feet. Two of the hedgehogs are boys, and one is a girl. Each of them are wearing ninja outfits. Seeing the group, the three children flinch and quickly stand up.
The first to speak is a light teal boy hedgehog wearing glasses and a blue scarf.
"I'm the intelligent and uh, quick thinker. I'm Satoshi," The light teal hedgehog says.
The only girl light purple hedgehog and wears pink cherry blossoms is nays.
"I'm the cute and skillful young ninja. And can throw very well. I'm Miharu," The young purple hedgehog says.
The last one is a bright orange color with spiky quills and bangs at the front, he wears goggles on his head, and a yellow bandana around his neck.
"I'm the leader of this group and the most skillful young ninja. I'm Akito," The young orange hedgehog says.
Then all three say together, "And together… We're the Young Hedgehog Ninja Trio! So you better watch out!"
The group of Mobians and the single human become a bit confused by the introduction.
"They sure are interesting," Eve says with a sheepish smile.
"This is an awkward introduction," Sally says, confused.
"No kidding. I thought we're going to have to be careful of powerful ninjas like the others, but we got three little kids.
The boy, Akito says, "We're not little kids! We're the future of our clan! We train hard to defend our land and protect the return of our Bride, Obsidian."
"Tha-that's right. We want to defend her and our village as much as the rest of our village," The boy, Satoshi says.
Miharu says, "Yeah. And that means we're going to defeat you outsides and try not to get into our village."
Shadow then walks down the path, and away from the kids and the group, "I have no time to waste with you three. I have more important things to worry about."
"Wait, you can't go over there! Not without our approval!" Miharu says.
"Yeah! Otherwise, we'll be forced to call in reinforcement!" Satoshi calls out.
"I doubt you three have the authority to stop us, especially since my mother is in the village," Shadow says.
Eve quickly says, "Wait Shadow, maybe we can just explain to them that we came to help them and find our mom. They'll understand."
"Your mom?" Akito says, confused.
Eve turns to the children, "You see, Shadow and I are actually your Bride Obsidian's children. We came here so we can help them break ties with the Iron Dominion and check to see if she's okay. She was abducted by her and used as a Bride for the Iron Dominion's hold on your clan."
The three children gasp in shock to hear this.
"You're the Bride of Swift Wind's daughter?" Satoshi asks, shocked.
Miharu notices Eve's appearance, "You know, you look just like her. You're even pretty as her too."
"Thank you. But still, my friends, my brothers, and I are searching for our mother who was taken to your village. Is it alright if we can see her?" Eve asks.
The three children look at each other.
Miharu says, "Okay. We'll take you to the village."
"But you'll need to talk to Akito's older sister," Satoshi says.
"Your sister?" Sonia asks, confused.
"Yes. Since what happened over fifty years ago, some of the hedgehogs who survived were able to escape and start over. My ancestor, who was Obsidian's good friend, became the new leader because he was the one who helped lead them to the village we have now and the village flourished. My family has been in charge. Until the Iron Dominion arrived and Obsidian became the Bride, my older sister was our current leader. She was made your mothers advisor since she was the current leader. Your mom is living with our family for the time being," Akito explains.
"Sounds to me that your family has good leadership and was able to help the clan revive," Sally says.
"Yeah. And Kisa has been a great leader to our village. We continue to follow the traditions of our people and we sometimes have new traditions and ways of living," Miharu says.
Satoshi walks ahead, "Come on, we'll show you."
Soon, everyone, including Shadow, follows the three young hedgehogs down the path. Soon enough, they come across a high, large cliff side. Maria, Tails, and Jazz look up to see how large and high the cliffs are. Satochi steps in front of the rocky wall and begins to tap on the wall, almost like he is doing a pattern. After performing the pattern, part of the rocky wall opens to reveal a secret path.
Akito says, "We're almost there."
"It's just through this tunnel," Miharu says.
The group then walks through the dark tunnel with small torches on different sides of the wall, lighting up the cave.
Sally looks around, "This place is very different from the other Clans."
"I have to agree. I wonder why did they have it in a cave," Sonic says.
"We don't live in caves," Akito says.
"We're close to the end of the tunnel so you can see for yourself what our village is like," Miharu says.
Like Miharu says, the group sees the end of the tunnel and light shining through it. The group then walks out of the tunnel, and to their surprise, they see a small village that is surrounded by large rocky mountains and have their own river and waterfall. They also have large windmills that are high over the village and are being pushed by the wind. What is amazing to see so many different hedgehogs of different colors living in the village living their livelihoods. Some are either training, cleaning, playing, and more.
"Alright, this place is pretty cool," Sonic says.
"Wow! It looks amazing," Maria happily says.
"It's like they have their own world in here," Sonia says.
"You can say that again," Sonic replies.
Topaz turns to the hedgehog kids, "Where's your house, Akito?"
"Come on, it's this way," Akito says.
Akito leads the group of Freedom Fighters and Team Dark to the village to get to where Obsidian is. As they walk through the village, the residents are looking at them in surprise, and concern about outsiders in the village. However, seeing Shadow and Eve who resemble Obsidian, put them at a little ease.
Soon enough, the group arrives at a large Japanese style house that only has one floor, but it's the largest house in the village. The guards at the front door notice Akito, the small hedgehogs, and the Freedom Fighters heading towards the door.
One of them says, "Welcome back Akito."
"Hi Tadashi. Ranma. My friends and I brought guests who wanted to see the Bride. It's important," Akito says.
Tadashi says, "Of course."
Tadashi and the other guard open the door to allow them entry.
The group then enters the building.
Miharu says, "You'll need to take off your shoes and put on the indoor slippers, or you can keep your socks on."
"Okay," Sally says.
Everyone then removes their shoes and places them in front of the door. Then they walk down the hall with Akito and his friends taking the lead. The three continue to follow them until they reach two large paper doors. Akito then knocks on the door gently, since part of it is made of paper.
Then Akito says, "Rei, are you there?"
"Come in," A voice calmly calls out.
Akito and Miharu open the door and allow entry. Everyone enters the room, to find themselves in a large chamber. There they see Obsidian sitting on the other side of the room, wearing an elegant black and red color kimono, a little bit of makeup on her face, and a gold tiara on her head.
Next to her is a young hedgehog adult. She is wearing a light pink ninja outfit with a purple sash around her waist. She has light purple color fur with a tan muzzle and magenta color eyes.
Akito walks over, "Rei."
The hedgehog turns to see her brother, "Akito, glad to see you're back. How is your training?"
"We're doing fine sis. We brought some well, guests," Akito says.
Rei turns to see the many Mobians and one human being with them.
"Guys, this is my older sister, Rei. Rei, these are…" Akito says.
"Mom," Eve hurries over and hugs Obsidian right off the bat.
"Eve, it's good to see you sweetie," Obsidian happily says, hugging Eve back.
"Chao Chao," Jazz calls out, and hugs Obsidian too.
"And Jazz, glad to see you're doing okay too," Obsidian says, petting Jazz on the head.
Eve and Jazz let go of Obsidian, and Shadow walks over.
"Mother, are you okay?" Shadow asks.
Obsidian nods her head, "I'm okay Shadow. The hedgehogs of the clan have taken care of me, especially Rei and her family."
Seeing the two black and red hedgehogs, "So these are your children. Your son, Shadow and your Daughter, Eve."
"Chao Chao," Eve sternly says.
Rei chuckles, "And your Chao friend, Jazz."
"Chao," Jazz happily says.
Rei then turns to see the blonde hedgehog who blushes a little and shyly waves.
"And you must be Maria, it's very nice to meet you," Rei says.
"Um, hello," Maria shyly says.
"It's very nice to meet you, Rei," Eve says.
"Chao Chao," Jazz happily says with a wave.
"Hello," Shadow replies with his arms crossed.
Sonic waves, "Yo, the name is Sonic. Pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Tails," Tails says.
"I'm Sonia," Sonia says.
Ken then says, "And I'm Monkey Khan, King of the Free People."
Obsidian giggles, "It's okay Ken, you don't need to do formalities with me or Rei."
"Yes ma'am," Ken replies.
"And I'm Topaz, agent of G.U.N," Topaz says.
"The name is Rouge. Rouge the Bat," Rouge says.
"I'm Sally Acorn," Sally says.
"And she's the princess of New Mobotropolis," Sonic adds.
"Yes Sonic," Sally says, rolling her eyes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. So what can we do for you?" Rei asks.
"We're here to ask you to sever your ties with the Iron Dominion. We have already broken off most of the Iron Dominion's support from the Dragon Kingdom," Ken explains.
"I see, so that leaves out the Clan of the Swift Wind is the only support the Iron Dominion had," Obsidian says.
"That's the idea. Plus, we can also use some help fighting against the Iron Dominion. They've taken over New Mobotropolis," Eve says.
"But we manage to evacuate everyone out of there," Sonic says.
Obsidian asks, showing signs of concern, "What about Cloud-Ra, Shun, and the twins? Are they alright?"
"Don't worry mother, they are residing in Lower Mobius. Father and the twins are doing fine, but we've been worried about you since you were taken," Shadow explains.
"As for Shun, Maria and Shun wanted to stay with us. As of now, he is with Li Yuen and his granddaughter along with the rest of the Shijin Warriors in Stormtop Village," Eve says.
"I am very glad to hear that our family and our friends are doing well, but I fear that unless we act, the Iron Dominion will not be stopped," Obsidian says.
"I have to agree about this. The Iron Dominion already caused some trouble when they found our village," Rei says.
"What happened?" Sally asks.
"Well, the Iron Dominion were able to somehow find our village and attack. We did our best to fight against them, but they have proven to be stronger than we realize. Up until now, we never really had ourselves too involved with the outside world. Not even with other clans," Rei says.
"How come?" Maria asks.
Rei, Akito and his friends become a bit saddened by the question.
Eve realizes the reason, sighs, "It was because of Thunder wasn't it."
"Thunder? I remember you telling us about him before. He was supposed to be your mother's betrothed, but ended up overthrowing her family," Sally says.
"It was. My ancestor, Blade, who was actually one of the royal advisors and friends of Obsidian and was close with her parents. Like Obsidian, Blade didn't trust Thunder and tried to find any evidence that will show them the kind of hedgehog he really is. Sadly, he wasn't able to find anything, and it was too late to stop the invasion from happening. After what happened and Obsidian's parents were gone and she went missing, those who remained felt destroyed by it," Rei sadly says.
Obsidian sadly says, "And of course, I haven't seen my parents or the village sense what happened."
"But what happened after that? We basically know what happened to Obsidian," Rouge asks.
Then turns to Shadow, "Of course, Shadow and Eve are proof of that."
"Thanks for the reminder," Shadow says, rolling his eyes.
"Um, right. I think her steward, Snively, explained about you and Eve's past and history," Rei says.
Eve groans, "That big mouth."
"You mean big nose," Sonic remarks.
"Anyway. After the incident, Blade along with his older brother, who was also friends with Obsidian was able to confront Thunder and defeat him. Interrogating him, we discovered that he was secretly working with rebels of our village and sharing our secrets with the Raiju Clan, even though we were supposed to be enemies. Thunder was exiled along with his followers. Blade managed to help those left of our village and migrate far away from the village and found our way here. With Blade leadership, we were able to prosper and started a new life here. Soon enough, Blade was made the new leader, and our family has led the village for four generations," Rei explains.
Miharu happily says, "And Akito's big sister is the new leader after their parents decided to pass it down to her."
"That's right," Rei giggles.
Satoshi sighs, "Until the Iron Dominion came along. From the incident from over fifty years ago and now, we never did the traditions of our rule with a Bride."
"Sounds like you all have a rough life," Tails says.
"We did, but we were able to manage, we're just sad about Lady Obsidian becoming our bride… against her will. She only promised to stay here to help protect us, and hoped that her children that will be Shadow and Eve will find a way to stop them," Rei says.
"Well, that seems to make things a whole lot easier," Sonic says.
Ken then says, "So then, I assume we already know your answer."
"Yes. Then we will sever our tie with the Iron Dominion, the Five Houses of the Iron Dominion will be no more. However, until they stop, I'm afraid that I am unable to leave," Obsidian says.
"Don't worry mom, we'll stop the Iron Queen and King, win back the city, and make sure you are able to return home," Eve says.
Rei turns to Obsidian, "Obsidian, with your permission, I will be glad to go with them to put a stop to the Iron Dominion. I don't think it's fair that they forced you to be away from your family and try to strip us of our livelihood."
Akito says, "I want to go too!"
"Yeah!" Miharu and Satoshi say.
"Sorry children, I'm afraid that I cannot allow you to do that. Even if what you're doing is noble, we cannot allow you to be placed in anger," Obsidian says.
"Aww!" The three children reply.
Obsidian turns to Rei, "Rei, I give you permission to go with the Freedom Fighters. You are also welcome to bring as many men and weapons as needed."
"Thank you, Obsidian," Rei says.
Maria asks, "Are you sure you'll be okay here?"
"Don't worry, we've taken good care of her, and we all are good at taking care of each other. So don't worry," Miharu says.
"We'll do whatever we can from our end," Saotshi says.
"Thank you, and we do hope we can get to know you better," Eve says.
"Yeah. Not everyday we see a clan of hedgehogs," Sonic says.
Sally says, "We better get back to Storm Top Village and get ready for our trip back to New Mobotropolis."
The group nod their heads in reply and are planning to head back to New Mobotropolis. The next day, after returning to Stormtop Village, Sonic, Eve along with the Freedom Fighters, Team Dark, Rei, and the Shijin Warriors have the Tornado set up and are ready for their trip back home. Tails and Sonia are finishing up getting the Tornado and the rest are getting the supplies finished. Sally and Ken bow to Li-Yuen.
"Thank you for your generous hospitality, Li Yuen," Sally says.
"Yes. My team and I will return to you as soon as possible," Sonic says.
"It has been the honor of my village, and even more myself, to host such esteemed young people. I am certain you will return to us, victorious," Li Yuen says.
Eve turns to Rei, "Thank you for coming to help us. I hope it's not too much trouble."
"It is no trouble at all. We are happy to help, and to stop the Iron Dominion. Some of my friends already round up some of the ninjas to head to the city," Rei says.
"We're glad you can help. We hope you can stay with us to show you around the city," Maria happily says.
"Maria, tour later… save the city first," Rouge says.
"Chao Chao," Jazz says.
Tails places the picnic basket Li Moon gives her and places it in the plane.
"The Tornado is prepared guys! We're ready to go," Tails says.
"Feeling a bit more confident than when we landed?" Sonic asks, turning to Sally.
"Much more. Let's go save the say," Sally says.
"We're more than ready," Eve says.
"Alright everyone! Let's do it to it!" Sonic says.
Everyone then hops on the plane along with on the wings, Dulcy and the others are also ready to take flight.
"Next stop… New Mobotropolis," Eve says.
Then Sonic says, "Hang on Freedom Fighters, the cavalry is on the way!"